Arts on the Lake enhances Putnam

Reading media accounts of local happenings in Putnam is generally discouraging - scandalous officials, property damage. But, every now and then we read about a selfless resident, a diligent student or a welcome addition to life here where the country begins. In this latter category, one must certainly place Arts on the Lake.

Perhaps it's our proximity to New York City that has tempted many of us to rely on its world-class cultural riches rather than create these locally.

But, if you are like me, that trip south seems to be less and less inviting each year, with the result that New York's cultural riches have taken on a life more virtual than actual.

However, when I looked recently at the archives on the Arts on the Lake website (artsonthelake.org) I was amazed by the quality of productions, classes, exhibits and workshops this organization has brought to our county over the past six years.

It's hard to imagine life here now without this "cultural oasis," as one patron has labeled it.

We were lucky to get Arts on the Lake. However, such organizations don't run on luck. Hopefully, an encouraging and appreciative number of us will attend the annual fundraiser Saturday evening, Sept. 28, at the Sedgewood Club.

If past is prologue, it promises to provide the best food and entertainment in a creative way. And if their silent auction of previous years is any indication, that alone would be a good selfish reason to attend.